Manufacturing

Machinist

Do you love the details? Are you fascinated by creating a variety of products using the latest technology?

Set up and operate machine tools including lathes, milling machines, and grinders to produce precision metal parts.

Salary Range

$38,000 – $79,000

per year (10th–90th percentile)

Median Salary

$45,840

per year

Growth Outlook

Declining(-2%)

2024–2034 projected

Browse Machinists Jobs

Tasks & Responsibilities

Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.

Tools of the Trade

CalipersHorizontal turning centerDrill press or radial drillHammersHeight gaugesBoring machinesGage block setMicrometersScrewdriversDrilling machinesManual press brakePlatform liftTracer or duplicating or contouring latheTurret lathePunches or nail sets or driftsSpot welding machineGrinding machinesShearsSharpening stones or tools or kitsPower sawsHacksawCasting machinesHex keysDial indicator or dial gaugeMill saw fileDouble ended studHorizontal machining centerInduction heating machineCold chiselsThreading machineMachine end millSlingsRatchetsArborsWelder torchRadius gaugeHalf round fileBench visesSurface grinding machineMulti-tasking or universal machining centerHydraulic press framesBlow torchFacial shieldsPower buffersLevelsSafety glassesSurface gaugeShaper cutterCylinder gaugeVertical machining centerThermal spray machineColumn and knee milling machineChamfering machineSocket setsWelding masksPower drillsSquaresMetal broaching machinesMilling machinesBench dogCenter gaugeAngle cutterPlasma arc welding machinePersonal digital assistant PDAs or organizersWedgesPitch measuring instrumentsRulersWave soldering machinePower grindersPlaning machinesTube bending machineThreading die hand toolLocking pliersSledge hammerTapsPower chippersSine barTraveling column milling machinePower planesProtractorsBall peen hammerDeburring toolTelescoping gaugeTungsten inert gas welding machineMetal cuttersPneumatic sanding machinesThread counters or gaugesGas welding or brazing or cutting apparatusEnd cut pliersFeeler gaugesRubber malletAdjustable angle plateHand reamerMetal inert gas welding machineSawsMagnetic toolsShielded metal arc welding or stick welding machineMetal band sawing machineHoning machineFlat hand fileCoordinate measuring machines CMMWorkshop cranesLaddersPutty knivesPry barsHand clampsScribersUtility knivesForkliftsAnvilsCombination wrenchesTongsLaser printersGrindersDesktop computersSwaging toolsAdjustable wrenchesChucksNeedlenose pliersPersonal computersPipe wrenchesPower sandersBinocular light compound microscopesCombination pliers

Knowledge Areas

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 62/100

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 58/100

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. 57/100

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. 50/100

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. 43/100

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 43/100

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 35/100

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. 34/100

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. 31/100

Physics

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes. 30/100